A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton
God Speaks:
John 15:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Listen to God Speak & Obey:
The one great purpose of the life of followers of Jesus is to abide in Him. The reason is in our focal verse which says we can do nothing without Jesus.
The Lord Jesus is a great shepherd, and He provides abundantly for His flock. Today, I invite each reader of this devotional to consider these words of Jesus, “Abide in me, and I in you.”
Today’s devotional draws from two of my favorite chapters in the Bible; John 15 and Acts 4.
The Apostle Peter demonstrated being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 4:8 King James Version (KJV)
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?
Romans 5:5 King James Version (KJV)
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 8:9 King James Version (KJV)
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
The first-century church demonstrated being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 4:31 King James Version (KJV)
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Are you abiding in Christ and is Christ alive in you? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Are you bearing much fruit by the power of the Holy Spirit who is alive in the lives of the people of God?
Galatians 5:22-23 King James Version (KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Are you able to say the words that David said in Psalm 23?
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, we are so grateful for Your presence, provisions and power You provide for Your people. Amen.
—
